Plaza Mayor, Cáceres, Central square with porticoed walkways in Cáceres, Spain.
Plaza Mayor is a rectangular square in Cáceres surrounded by three-story buildings featuring stone arcades from the 16th century. These arcades provide shaded walkways around the perimeter and were constructed with stone columns supporting semicircular arches.
The square originated in the 12th century as a meeting place for an annual fair and developed into the main trade hub by the 14th century. This growth established it as the economic heart of the city and shaped its purpose for centuries to come.
The square serves as a social meeting point where locals and visitors gather in cafes beneath the arcades. This tradition of community gathering under the arches has shaped daily life for centuries.
The square is easily accessible and sits beside Calle Pintores, the main shopping street, with the Arch of La Estrella providing entry to the historic district. The arcades offer natural shade and protection from rain, making visits comfortable at any time of year.
The stone arches were designed not only to provide shelter but also to create an acoustic quality that makes conversations beneath them particularly pleasant. This architectural feature is often overlooked, but visitors frequently notice the warm, welcoming feeling when spending time under the arches.
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